14 replies to this topic

[AcidBassist]

This is my first tek. Here goes...

I don't like to spend a lot of money to conduct experiments that have "uncertain" outcomes. I read as much as I can absorb before I begin, and I go form there. This tek uses a combination of methods from M'topia as well as other sources.

That being said, I present this tek for the average Joe Sixpack who happens to have some active cactus lying around.

Materials:
-7lb of active cactus
-32oz NaOH (lye)
-1qt HCL (Muriatic 31.45% works)
-2gal Distilled Water
-1qt Toluene (Tolulol in the painting section of your local hardware store)

Equipment:
-1gal Extraction container (Glass or HDPE, wine jugs will suffice.)
-1qt measuring cup
-Stainless Steel Tablespoon
-1qt salting bottle (thick Glass or HDPE so it can freeze water; Jose Cuervo bottles work nice)
-Various solvent-safe funnels (new gasoline funnels)
-Some HDPE gloves or just regular grocery bags with recycle code "2" on 'em.

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Step 1:
Remove spines from your cactus with a sharp knife and pliers. With the same sharp knife, cut the cactus into star-shaped disks about 1/4 inch thick.
To dry the discs, place them onto baking sheets and into the oven at LESS THAN 200*F. I like to set the oven at 200, and leave the door cracked for the heat and moisture to escape.

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[AcidBassist]

Step 2:
When the stars are crispy remove them from the oven and place them into a blender or grinder to break them up a bit. Air dry the resulting chips in front of a fan for 24 hrs to ensure all moisture has evaporated then blend them into a fine powder.
To the glass/HDPE extraction container add 1/2gal of distilled water. Into this slowly add your basic NaOH crystals 1 Tbsp at a time until they no longer readily dissolve. Place some type of HDPE barrier (grocery bags work) under the cap and screw it on tightly. Shake lightly. This will produce some heat so let the water cool before proceeding.
Once the solution has cooled add in the cactus powder, and shake the bejeebus out of it.

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[AcidBassist]

Step 3:
After the cactus powder mixes well with the basic solution it is time to extract the alkaloids into solvent. 1qt of toluene is added to the extraction vessel, and again the bejeebus is shaken out of it. Wait a few minutes and shake again. And again.

When solvent and water are thoroughly mixed allow the layers to separate entirely. Evidence of this separation should be visible within 30-60 minutes. A day or more is required for the layer to fully separate.

1st pic- before adding solvent
2nd pic- after shaking 3 times
3rd pic- after separating for 1 hour

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[AcidBassist]

Step 4:
After the Solvent layer has completely risen to the top it can be poured off into the salting bottle (this is the one going into the freezer).

It is extremely important that none of the basic cactus sludge is carried over with the toluene. A seperatory funnel is ideal for ensuring a clean product, however many clever adaptations can be improvised. Nevertheless, a careful hand will allow you to pour off only the needed layer of solvent.

Once the toluene is in the salting bottle, it is time to add our acid. In a pyrex measuring cup add 8 drops of HCL (Muriatic) to 1.5cups distilled water. Pour this acidic solution into the salting bottle with the toluene. Place another HDPE seal under the cap of the salting bottle, and shake the bejeebus out of it.

Allow the layers to separate and place in the freezer for a few hours until the water layer is completely frozen.

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[AcidBassist]

Step 5:
When the clear water layer has frozen completely, pour the yellow solvent back into the extraction jug with the cactus sludge. Add another 4Tbsp of NaOH to the cactus/solvent mix and shake again. Give this 24 hrs so separate and repeat steps 3 and 4 reusing the same solvent.
These steps are repeated as many times as are necessary to obtain a viable yield. Usually around 6 pulls are needed for a satisfactory amount of product.

[AcidBassist]

Step 6:
When the Acidic water thaws, it can be poured from the salting bottle into an evaporating dish. This should be a clean pyrex baking dish. Place it on your stove top at the lowest possible setting to evaporate the water. This may take some time.
When all of the water has evaporated you will be left with fine white crystals clinging to the dish. Scrape with a razor blade and enjoy.

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[AcidBassist]

This is the combined product of my 4th 5th and 6th pulls. It's not as white as above, but it is still pretty clean. No need for an acetone wash, although I may do one anyways. Just to post the pics.

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[badger1]

awsome" what will happen if you add to much toluene? a friend tried the same experiment and when added the recommended amount of toluene it didnt make a thick enough layer of solvent to pull off. what should he do? add more toluene and shake it up again? what should he do? the mix has been sitting for about 7h already

[AcidBassist]

SWIM had a similar problem with an incomplete separation. He found that adding a bit more NaOH and a warm water bath helped out.

As for adding more toluene, go for it.

It won't hurt anything, and you will need a layer thick enough to pour/siphon off. The acidic solution will pull the goodies from the toluene in the next step and any leftovers will be returned to the extraction jug. You will have a shot at them next time.

Don't sweat it.

[tregar]

Good job! Thanks AcidBassist, very nice photos and procedure steps.

Cheap is good!

Free is better!

[badger1]

brilliant" thanks

[tecnikal]

Thanks for the tek.


I see you used the entire cactus as opposed to just the green photosynthetic layer, If the core of the cactus contains few alkaloids, why not just discard it?

[NEPHROSIS]

Beautiful - nice, simple and very clean result!

btw, I haven't seen it posted around here but I've read and talked to some guys online who've said adding salt helps separate the layers.

[AcidBassist]

Thanks for the tek.


I see you used the entire cactus as opposed to just the green photosynthetic layer, If the core of the cactus contains few alkaloids, why not just discard it?

The core of the cactus and the fleshy white part contain very few alkaloids, but there are trace amounts of mescaline present throughout. When beginning with a manageable quantity of fresh cactus it can be used along with the dark green skin. As long as all of your contents fit in the extraction vessel, there is no need to "peel" the cactus. Peeling will eliminate a lot of the bulkiness encountered with larger extractions, but it is unnecessary for small scale experiments. It just adds an extra step IMHO.

--->Acid

[AcidBassist]

Beautiful - nice, simple and very clean result!

btw, I haven't seen it posted around here but I've read and talked to some guys online who've said adding salt helps separate the layers.

Thanks Neph,

I have heard the same thing. Apparently adding small amounts of table salt can help to break up those pesky emulsion layers. Fortunately, I didn't have any trouble with emulsions using Toluene in this experiment.

A warm water bath will also help with layer separation. So I am told.

--->Acid